"Assistant/Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Nutritional Sciences"

Assistant/Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Nutritional Sciences

Posting Number: P2171F

Job Description Summary

POSITION AVAILABILITY: The Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Human Sciences and Alabama Cooperative Extension at Auburn University invite applications for a 12-month, tenure-track Extension specialist position at the Assistant/Associate rank in the area of nutrition and chronic disease prevention and management to begin January 1, 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Successful candidates must maintain a productive area of Extension programming and related applied research in their area of focus. Specialists are expected to obtain funding to support their area of programming and scholarship. Responsibilities will include 70% Alabama Cooperative Extension (ACES) and 20% Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES), with the remaining split with instruction and service assignments.

We are seeking candidates with an area of programming and applied research pertinent to the application of nutrition to promote health and prevent/manage chronic diseases. Possible areas of expertise include but are not limited to health; healthy food decisions and related behaviors; food security; health disparities in the context of nutrition; and preventing and managing nutrition-related chronic diseases.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative, evidence-based programs and applied research.
• Train, collaborate with, and support the team of Regional Extension Agents (REAs) to implement, evaluate, and report impacts on the practical information and technical instruction that they provide to individuals and families in communities throughout Alabama.
• Identify, develop, and deliver educational tools (e.g., presentations, publications, videos, and website information) grounded in scientific research.
• Design and undertake evidence-based Extension and applied research projects that engage and involve client groups, stakeholders, and communities to improve their quality of life.
• Establish and maintain a strong funded Extension and applied research program.
• Disseminate programming and research scholarship through journals and conference presentations and seek recognition of excellence in programming in accordance with Promotion and Tenure requirements.
• Participate in and assist the Human Sciences Extension program team in the development of annual plans of work, federal reports, and other impact reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Human Sciences faculty on interdisciplinary research and program planning.
• Engage and mentor Human Sciences students in developing and delivering educational tools and programs.
• Guide student's research, as appropriate.
• Teach 1 course per year as assigned by the Department of Nutritional Sciences
• Meet annual AAES Hatch Project and ACES reporting requirements
• Contribute to departmental, college, ACES, AAES, and professional service.

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Nutritional Sciences employs 11 faculty members and is affiliated with the College of Human Sciences. The department offers a baccalaureate degree with program options in Nutrition Science, Dietetics, and Wellness, and a master's, and doctoral degree programs in Nutrition. Opportunities to engage in collaborative research include other departments in The College of Human Sciences, Hunger Solutions Institute, The College of Agriculture, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Disease Research Program, East Alabama Health, and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). More information about the department can be found at http://humsci.auburn.edu/nutrition/.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the outreach and engagement organization for the land grant mission of AU and Alabama A & M University. Extension professionals, including Regional Extension Agents and Specialists, deliver science-based educational programs in all 67 counties that enable individuals, families, and communities to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Additional information on the Alabama Cooperative Extension System can be found at https://www.aces.edu/.

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: PhD in Nutrition or Nutrition-related area or successful completion of 18 or more graduate credit hours of coursework in Nutrition at the time employment begins. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment; excellent communication skills required.

Desired Qualifications

Registered Dietitian (RD) credential desired.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply for the position, please refer to Apply online using the link https://www.auemployment.com/postings/54929. Please provide an application letter (containing research and teaching interests), a current CV, Ph.D. transcripts, and samples of no more than three recent publications. In addition, three professional references with names, email addresses, and phone numbers must be provided. Only complete application materials will be considered. The review of applications will begin on August 18, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact: Laura Downey, Search Committee Chair at lmh0141@auburn.edu.